UCLan magazine journalism scores unique hat-trick

For the third year running the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has scooped the Oscars of the magazine industry after a graduate won the coveted prize at the Professional Publishers Association awards.

This year the Most Promising Student (undergraduate) award was won by Andy Biddulph for the work he produced while studying on the BA (Hons) Journalism magazine course under the guidance of Course Leader Cathy Darby. He graduated last year and is now working as a freelance music journalist for Rock Sound and a range of other titles.

This hat-trick means only UCLan has won this award since its launch three years ago.

Andy, who beat two other nominees from Bournemouth University, said: “It was nice to be rewarded for all of the time and effort I've put in over the past year, and the fact that a UCLan student has won this award three years running is an indicator of just how valuable UCLan's magazine journalism route and Cathy Darby's expertise can be.”

"The fact that a UCLan student has won this award three years running is an indicator of just how valuable UCLan's magazine journalism route and Cathy Darby's expertise can be.”

Catherine, who was Andy’s module tutor, rejoiced at Andy’s triumph. She said: “I was so pleased that my student Andy entered the competition as winning this award gives a wider platform to his undoubted talent and engaging writing style. I am sure his freelance career can only benefit from such an accolade from industry experts. And, personally, I am thrilled that UCLan magazine students have secured the remarkable achievement of being the best in the UK for the third year running.”

Guests at the industry’s prestigious event, which was held in London earlier this week, were told: “The judges were impressed by the consistently excellent standard of Andy's work. They found his writing captivating, despite having little or no knowledge around the subject areas themselves. Andy is an excellent storyteller who has developed his own voice in a very short amount of time. A very talented writer, said one judge, who takes on big challenges with real confidence, resulting in poignant, mature pieces way beyond his years.”